ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
hallett peak, culp-bossier
June/Sept
10-12 Hours
Intermediate
From $650
Private TripS
2027 Dates Live
EXPLORE ALPINE ROCK CLIMBING IN RMNP
DISCOVER
| OVERVIEW |
Daunting in appearance, the shaded north face of Hallet Peak (12,713′) rises 1,000 vertical feet in a clean sweep. It dominates the gorge below and looms high above the popular and beautiful Emerald Lake.
This imposing wall appears too steep for moderate-grade climbing. But once on the face, positive, incut edges abound on superb (albeit runout) rock, yielding phenomenal face climbing in a dramatic setting. This wall is prominent and often seen while driving into the park, inspiring many passengers on their way to the Bear Lake trailhead.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Trip call
Guides and guests connect via Google Meet to discuss gear selection for the course, meet our new teammates, discuss the climb, and, answer any lingering questions the team has.
The climb
Our team hits the trailhead at 4 am from Bear Lake Trailhead with and fast and short hike into the Tyndall Gorge. We pass beautiful lakes, lush forests, trickling streams and slowly get rewarded with a view of our climbing objective. This hike takes about 1.5 hrs.
Hallett's north face divides neatly into three buttresses. The chimneys dividing the buttresses are Hallett Chimney and the Slit, respectively, which are generally climbed as winter objectives. The first buttress is more broken and the routes are not as long, difficult, or sustained; the vast majority of the traffic centers on the Great Dihedral route. The second buttress sees most of the action which is where our climb begins.
700’ of perfect granite cracks and edges lead us to our final crux, a steep, overhanging feeling, crack and roof. This section is short, but powerful, and guards the summit from an otherwise mellow climbing outing.
End of day debrief
At the cars, we focus our attention on the day; sharing the Rose, the Bud, and the Thorn to ruminate more deeply on the experience. It is often customary ( but not mandatory) to have a meal back in the town to celebrate the great days spent in the mountains!
Technical Experience
Guests should be seasoned multi-pitch climbers with high alpine rock climbing experience. We require one of these two options to climb the Petit. Previous climbing experience with a guide. One who we can contact to talk about your ability to climb a route like this or a multi-pitch climbing prep day in Eldorado Canyon with the guide you will be partnered with for this Park Day.
Fitness
Excellent physical fitness is required. Climbers must be able to hike and climb for many hours while carrying a pack. Training for Advanced Alpine Climbing is a great fitness program to develop a strong alpine climbing base. 50% intensity is a good marker of alpine fitness for this weekend.
Altitude
No prior experience at altitude is required.
FOREST HIKE INTO THE CULP
EASTFACE SUNLIGHT
- Group climbing equipment
- Small compressible multi-pitch backpack
- Climbing helmet, harness, and climbing shoes
- Certified guides
- National Park Pass, must have on your person
- Personal hiking gear such as backpacks and poles
- Snacks while on route
- Transportation to the venue
- Tips for guides
| WHATS INCLUDED |
CRAIG AFTER CLIMBING THE CULP-BOSSIER
CLIMBING HIGH ABOVE THE BASIN
| PRICING DETAILS |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
hallett peak, culp-bossier
June/Sept
10-12 Hours
Intermediate
Single: $650
Partners: $390 Per Person
Private TripS
Summer 2027 Live!
| QUESTIONS |
hallett peak culp-bossier.
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Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet/exceed the professional standards of mountain guiding. The Culp is guided at a 2:1 ratio, with up to four guests and two guides.
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If you are looking for a stretch goal on a big alpine face and have multi-pitch climbing experience, yes! After climbing one of the easier routes in the Park, this is for you! Excellent general fitness is expected to have success with the long hikes and larger climbing days.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge for our alpine climbs. Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, and a small multi-pitch backpack. Please note- we may be able to supplement other gear needs so please make your reservations early and email climb@smilemountainguides.com with personal gear requests.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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Aside from the technical gear that we are often able to provide we strongly recommend bringing everything on the Equipment List. These kits have been dialed and tested by our guides for over 20 years; while you may not end up using everything you bring, weather variability in the mountains demands that we’re ready to dress for any and all conditions! -
ESTES PARK, COLORADO: GETTING THERE
Estes Park, Colorado is located in the Northeastern part of Colorado and is approximately 45 minutes from Boulder. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SMG trip. Estes Park serves as the launching point for all of our climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park.
*If you plan to combine additional days of climbing in Eldorado Canyon or The Flatirons then Boulder, CO is also a logical place to base your lodging for your trip.
The best option for flying to the area is through Denver, CO.
You will likely need to organize a rental car to drive to Estes Park from Denver. Typically in the summer months, you can choose any type of vehicle. Below are some approximate driving times to get to Estes Park, CO.
Denver, CO: 1.5 hours
Boulder, CO: 45 minutes
Colorado Springs, CO: 2.5 hours
Estes Park has many great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Call our office at 410-982-8282 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
Boulder, CO also has many great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area.
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Please email:
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information about this program or any other Rocky Mountain National Park alpine climbing programs.